The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has been arrested by a bench warrant issued by the High Court in Accra for his failure to appear in court without authorization.
In a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, which he owns, Chairman Wontumi is on trial as the first accused. In connection with alleged illicit mining operations in Samreboi, Western Region, in 2024, he is charged with aiding unlicensed mining and assigning mineral licenses without ministerial consent.
Judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted Wontumi GH¢15 million bail on October 7, 2025, with three sureties, two of whom had to provide proof of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi’s attorney, contended during the bail hearing that his client would completely comply with the authorities and did not constitute a flight risk.
Citing the gravity of the offenses and the accused’s financial situation, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai requested the court to set stringent bail requirements.
He further claimed that despite previous invites, Wontumi had not cooperated with investigations and had only shown up for police after the Attorney General’s intervention.
Concerns on Kwame Antwi, the second accused, who is still at large, were also voiced by Dr. Srem-Sai, who added that Wontumi had not helped with supplying information regarding the whereabouts or name of his co-director.
